Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycles accidents can occur for numerous reasons, including:
- limited visibility to other drivers,
- various road hazards, and
- the stability issues that come with driving a two-wheeled vehicle.
Due to the increased popularity of motorcycles over the past few years along with a lack of understanding by most motorists on how to safely share the road with motorcycles, fatal motorcycle accidents are on the rise.
According to recent motorcycle accident statistics, motorcycle fatalities increased from 4,837 in 2006 to 5,154 in 2007.
U.S. Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Over 85% of motorcycle accident fatalities involved crashes with a passenger vehicle.
- Nearly a quarter of those killed in motorcycle accidents had invalid driver’s licenses.
- 97% of those killed in motorcycle accidents were male.
- Of those speeding at the time of the motorcycle accident, 27% were killed.
- 49% of those killed in a motorcycle accident with a passenger vehicle had previous driving violations on their record.
- Wearing a helmet has an estimated 37% increase in saving a life.
- The average age of the rider in a fatal motorcycle accident is 35 – 39 (41%).
- More than 90% of the motorcycle crashes with other vehicles occurred on non-interstate roadways.
- More than 70% of motorcycle accidents happen during peak riding season, from May to October.
- Motorcycle crashes account for 10.5% of all traffic fatalities.
- In 68% of rear end crashes, the motorcycle was the striking vehicle.
- In 55% of head on crashes with another vehicle, the motorcycle was the striking vehicle.
- The most likely site for motorcycle accidents is at an intersection.
- Helmets are 67% effective in preventing brain damage.
- 103,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2007.
- Nearly half of all motorcycle crashes involve alcohol.
- Visibility of the rider is frequently the cause of a motorcycle accident.
- Failure to yield right of way results in 35% driver-related crashes.
- More than 90% of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle.
- 1.5% more two-vehicle motorcycle accidents occur on weekends.
Contacting a Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Oftentimes, motorcycle accidents result in serious and life-threatening injuries to the people riding them. If you, or your loved one, were involved in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts, it’s important to contact an experienced Massachusetts motorcycle accident attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and options during this difficult time.
Motorcycle riders have unique challenges in personal injury lawsuits so it’s important to retain the legal services of a Massachusetts motorcycle accident attorney who understands motorcycle riders and the accidents that can change their lives.
Call 888-208-1695 today.
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